memorial offering

I can identify with Cornelius. I was a company commander once, just like he was. He seems to have been level-headed and not too impressed with himself; just a good man trying to do good in the world.

Here’s the part I especially like, from Acts 10:1-5: “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

"Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.

"The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.”

Cornelius was just going about life doing what he thought he should do. He prayed, he gave his money and time to helping people, he led his family in Godliness. Like I said, a good man trying to do good. His actions, however, drew God’s attention, and God sent an angel.

All those prayers and good deeds were, Luke wrote, “a memorial offering” before God. In some way, they were a remembrance, a reminder of something good. God was pleased with the offering, and in this way the Gentile Pentecost would come. Peter would accept the invitation of Cornelius, and this centurion and his friends would receive the Holy Spirit.

Is that what Cornelius was praying for? Luke doesn’t say, but I don’t think so. It seems more likely Cornelius was worshiping the Yahweh he learned of from the Jews, not the crucified savior Jesus. I say that because Peter would teach him about Jesus. Even so, the faithful prayers and life of Cornelius led him to be saved.

There’s a lot to be said for a consistent, persistent life of prayer and good works. It’s not flashy, but the story of Cornelius shows us it’s an offering God loves.